Windsor is an easy sell for international students, says Deena Wang. The University’s first-ever coordinator of international student recruitment, she started in her new role January 14 and is already impressed.
“International students are looking to experience life in a Western city, which certainly Windsor can provide,” says Wang. “It’s still small enough for them to experience real Canadian culture as well. From that standpoint, there are a lot of aspects to promote.”
Professors at the University of Windsor are very supportive, says Mattheus Zanivan. Here on a one-year study abroad experience, the Brazilian engineering student attributes his academic success to their help.
“They knew I was having difficulty working in English and were very patient with me,” says Zanivan, one of six study abroad participants to make the dean’s list in their respective programs last semester.
He says he enjoys the way courses are taught in Canada, with assignments, tutorials and labs spread through the term, rather than dependent on a final examination.
The University of Windsor takes great pride in its student exchange program, and this couldn’t have been more evident during a farewell party held in Katzman Lounge on November 27.
The gathering included food, drinks, conversation among new friends, and some thoughtful words from coordinator Michelle Fitzgerald, and Clayton Smith, vice-provost, students and international.
“The exchange program doesn’t only changes the lives of the students; it changes the world,” Dr. Smith said.
Her new position is a vital part of the university, says Danieli Arbex, who started a six-month term as academic integrity officer on November 26.
“When we provide our students with a proper education in integrity, it gives them the ability to apply lessons of right and wrong right from the beginning of their professional careers,” she says.
Dr. Arbex practised law in her native Brazil and holds advanced law degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has been teaching in the UWindsor economics program since 2010.
“Turning dreams into reality takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort,” said Olympian Jesse Owens, winner of four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.
This year’s education campaign on academic integrity reflects that message and shares it on posters available for distribution across campus in coming weeks.
International student advisor Enrique Chacon has another piece of hardware to add to his collection of service awards after receiving the Canadian Bureau for International Education Exemplary Service to CBIE Award recently.
The prize recognizes long-term service to CBIE and the field of international education and acknowledges Chacon for his “positive attitude, generosity and willingness to educate others.”
A reception Thursday, November 15, will allow friends and colleagues to bid farewell to academic integrity officer Danielle Istl, who is leaving the University’s employ on November 16 after more than eight years.
Vice-provost, students and international Clayton Smith says his office will provide light refreshments for the event, which runs 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Katzman Lounge, Vanier Hall. RSVP to Maureen Friest at 519-253-3000, ext. 3929.
The chance to win a semester’s tuition was a huge draw to attend the Welcoming Celebration on Wednesday afternoon, says Kelsey Adams.
The social work student did win the raffle, sponsored by the University of Windsor Alumni Association, but walked out of the St. Denis Centre with more than just a cheque. She also gained inspiration and Lancer pride, courtesy of a presentation by UWindsor president Alan Wildeman on the theme “Believe in Yourself” and a special appearance by varsity athletes and mascot Winston.
A trip to Western University last week helped UWindsor staff and leaders of student government learn about other ways to deliver services.
It’s the second year for the “dean’s trip,” said Clayton Smith, vice-provost, students and international.
“It gives my staff to engage with the leaders of each of the student governments so we can build a good working relationship,” he said. “We’re taking it from a formal institutional relationship to gaining understanding of each person’s perspective.”
A full-day retreat brought together academics, administrators and student leaders Friday to discuss issues surrounding academic integrity.
The event was organized by the office of student and international affairs.
“I pick a theme each year for the purpose of giving the staff in my area a chance to engage with the campus,” said Clayton Smith, vice-provost, students and international.
He said Friday’s session, which included an update on the Academic Integrity Review Action Plan and group discussion of related issues, provided a chance to take stock.
